Thursday, February 4, 2021

Fat chance

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the lead impeachment manager, sent a one-page letter to Trump and his legal team on Thursday, noting that the House had voted to impeach him in January and that a Senate trial is set to begin on Tuesday.

“Two days ago, you filed an Answer in which you denied many factual allegations set forth in the article of impeachment. You have thus attempted to put critical facts at issue notwithstanding the clear and overwhelming evidence of your constitutional offense,” Raskin said. “In light of your disputing these factual allegations, I write to invite you to provide testimony under oath, either before or during the Senate impeachment trial, concerning your conduct on January 6, 2021.”

The Democrat asked for Trump’s testimony — “of course including cross-examination” — by as early as Monday but not later than next Thursday.

[...]

Raskin said Trump declining the offer to provide testify could mean that Democrats would argue that “your refusal to testify supports a strong adverse inference regarding your actions (and inaction) on January 6, 2021.” He asked for a response by tomorrow.

  MSN
I'm guessing he won't get it. At the very least, I'd be very surprised if Trump agreed to testify.  Or if his lawyers would permit it.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.


UPDATE:


Senate Republicans on Thursday said they don't want former President Trump to testify as part of a second impeachment trial after House impeachment managers formally requested the former president testify under oath next week.

  The Hill
I bet they don't!
Republicans weren't the only ones wary of Trump testifying.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said he would leave the decision up to House managers but "boy, that'd be a dog and pony show."

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) added that it would be a "terrible idea."

"Have you met President Trump?" he asked.
And, of course....
Attorneys for former President Trump on Thursday dismissed a request for him to testify under oath at his Senate impeachment trial next week.

  The Hill




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